Much-maligned ABRI

Much-maligned ABRI

The province of Aceh is once again the center of Indonesian
political attention. This is because of the Wibawa military
operation and the attack of soldiers on unarmed civilians, which
caused the death of at least four and wounded many more. This is
to be regretted and should be condemned by all law-abiding
citizens.

The National Committee on Human Rights and several other
organizations have sent people to Aceh to investigate. And what
mistakes the military people have committed; reports fill the
newspapers and airwaves.

I have listened carefully to all the reports and found
something missing. I have the impression that detailed reports
are released only about the casualties suffered by the people,
but little is reported on what caused the government to launch
the military operation in the first place.

There is also scant reporting about the kidnapping of the
unarmed soldiers returning home to see their families. They were
ambushed; several were killed and one marine major is still held
hostage. When soldiers or other members of the Armed Forces
(ABRI) are wounded or killed, the public considers it normal and
not a violation of human rights, even when those soldiers are
unarmed and off-duty. Very little is reported in the media and
usually nobody is asked to bear the responsibility.

In Merdeka daily on Jan. 12, 1999, on page 1, it was written
"Bring the torturers of Acehnese civilians to a lightning trial.
This was asked by prominent Aceh leaders. Even Armed Forces
Commander Gen. Wiranto has extended his sincere apologies for
what has happened, and ordered stern actions to be taken. But I
fail to find any reaction toward the Acehnese who ambushed and
killed the unarmed soldiers and are holding the marine hostage.
This shows how deep the hatred of the people is toward ABRI.

Poor soldiers! This is quite different, of course, with
civilians. They should be protected at all cost. No harm should
come to them, even when their acts violate the law.

If looting occurs, then it is completely the fault of the
police officers who are unable to maintain law and order. If
demonstrators break down the gate of the House of
Representatives, which is the government's property and so owned
by the people, it is considered normal and no uproar is
forthcoming.

I have the impression ABRI can do no right in the eyes of the
people. In the case of Aceh, the students may ask the ABRI
commander for explanations and to be responsible for incident. I
think this is normal and acceptable.

I am the first to admit that ABRI committed acts which should
have been avoided. But is it that bad? I am sure ABRI has
performed good services which should not be forgotten just like
that. Under Soeharto's leadership ABRI, as a tool of the people,
did what was asked of it. One of ABRI's doctrines clearly states
"what is good for the people is good for ABRI".

You could say that ABRI was the victim of the political
situation, which nobody liked but nobody dared to fight.
Fortunately, students with their great courage, dedication and
sacrifices managed to change the situation and spearhead reform.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta